Chapter Thirty-Seven
Antonio’s world had been turned upside down since Evelyn’s disappearance. He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, and couldn’t think straight. Thoughts of Evelyn occupied every space in his brain, haunting him like a ghost. He had been threatening Reina, trying to break her, but she seemed willing to die rather than giving Evelyn to take all to herself. To her, Antonio Bernoti was hers and hers alone. Donald, her father, was a different story. He begged for mercy, pleaded for his family’s life, and Antonio could see the genuine fear in his eyes.
Despite his tough exterior, Antonio had a soft spot for loyalty. He was very big on loyalty . He couldn’t bring himself to harm Donald or his family, not yet. He needed Reina to lead him to Evelyn, and he was willing to use her to get what he wanted. But, he couldn’t deny the pang of guilt that hit him every time he looked at Donald, every time he thought about the pain he was causing. Donald was really scared for his life and his family’s life as well.
Debbie, on the other hand, was a mess. She had been crying nonstop since she learned about Evelyn’s abduction. The fact that they had fought the last time they saw each other made her grief even more unbearable. She had been reading thru apology message Evelyn had sent to her over and over. She felt guilty for not being there for her friend, for not being able to protect her. But, amidst her sorrow, she found comfort in Jacob’s arms. He was always there to hold her, to listen to her, and to make her feel better.
As they spent more time together, Debbie found herself growing closer to Jacob. She had always had a crush on him, but now, she saw a different side of him. She saw a kind, caring, and compassionate person who was always there for her. And, Jacob, too, he seemed to like Debbie but is still setting boundaries . Deep down he loved her strength, her courage, and her determination. Amidst the sadness and chaos, they found solace in each other’s company.
Their friendship blossomed , and she found herself lost in his arms. Jacob always reminded her that there is a ray of hope in a dark time, a reminder that even in the midst of sorrow, there could be joy, there could be hope. And, as she held him tight, she prayed that Jacob would come to like her as more than a friend and that they would find Evelyn.
_-_-_-_-
Antonio stood tall, his imposing figure exuding confidence and power, even though he had lost weight from not eating and thinking about Eve as he gazed at the door leading to Reina’s prison. His shades hid his eyes, but his jawline was set in determination. He had discovered her phone in his room earlier, and a plan had formed in his mind. He would wait for her to make a call, hoping it would lead him to Evelyn. He sent one of his men, Albert, to return the phone to her.
Unbeknownst to Antonio, the man he had sent to return the phone to Reina was secretly working for her. She had tempted him with a tantalizing offer – the best sex of his life – and he had betrayed Antonio’s trust. Reina had already received a warning about Antonio’s arrival and his plans.
As Antonio opened the door, Reina smirked, her eyes gleaming with defiance. She handed over the phone, and Antonio’s eyes scanned it frantically, but she had deleted all traces of the call. His anger erupted, and he grabbed her neck, his grip tightening. “You think you’re smart, don’t you?” he growled, his voice low and menacing as he gave her the hottest slap she had ever received .
Reina’s head twisted to the side, her nose bleeding from the force of his slap. But she didn’t flinch, her eyes blazing with determination. “That’s right! Hit me! Hit me! It’s not my fault that I want you! I’ll do everything in my power to keep you from finding that thing you call Evelyn!”
Antonio’s eyes darkened, his face reddening with rage. How dare she defy him? He was Antonio Bernoti, the feared and respected mafia boss. He wouldn’t be denied. With a swift motion, he pulled out his gun and shot her twice in the arm. Reina crumpled, her cries echoing through the room.
Antonio turned and walked away, his anger and frustration boiling over. He ordered the door to be locked and instructed his men to leave her be. As he stormed back to his room, his mind raced with new plans, new strategies to find Evelyn and crush Reina’s resistance. The game was not over yet. He is still Antonio Bernoti.
_-_-_-_-
Debbie returned from school and decided to go to a coffee shop near her home. Debbie’s eyes widened as Charles walked into the coffee shop with a stunning woman, his hand possessively on her ass. She couldn’t believe her eyes – Charles, already moving on from Evelyn? Debbie’s mind raced with thoughts of her friend, still missing and possibly in danger. Charles on seeing her, walked proudly to her, she felt a surge of anger and disbelief, her words spilling out before she could think. “You cheat! Evelyn is missing, and you’re already cheating on her?”
Charles smirked, his eyes gleaming with pride. “You’re mistaken, Debbie. I’m single, and I can do what I want. And as for Evelyn, she broke up with me, remember?” He emphasized the last part, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I don’t have time for this.” He turned to leave, his arm still wrapped around the mysterious woman.
Debbie’s mouth hung open, her thoughts reeling. Could it be true? Had Evelyn really broken up with Charles without telling her? She felt a pang of uncertainty, her mind racing with questions. Charles’s parting words only added to her confusion. “And if you ever find her, remind her that she still has an unfinished business with me.” He smiled slyly, his eyes glinting with a sinister intensity.
Debbie watched them leave, her coffee forgotten. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to act, after sitting there without actually doing nothing She dialed Evelyn’s number, even though she had tried it several times and had always been switched off, her heart racing with anticipation. To her surprise, it rang – a sign of life, a glimmer of hope. Without hesitation, she called Jacob, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Jacob, it’s Debbie. I think I found Evelyn’s phone. It’s ringing!”Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.
Jacob’s response was immediate. “I’ll get this info to my boss. We’ll work on it right away.” Debbie waited anxiously, her mind racing with possibilities. Minutes later, Jacob called back. “Antonio’s on it. He’d start tracking the phone’s location immediately .”
Antonio immediately ran into the bathroom for a quick shower, he needed water to cool his brain before he started the search, he cleaned his body immediately and rushed to the beside his laptop. He opened it and began tapping the screen roughly, his eyes not leaving the screen for a sec. After a while, he got a location. He immediately called Jacob and gave him the information. He ordered him to get men to go with him.
Like that… He ended the call to search for an outfit that’d suit the event that’d take place later – Blood shed… For his property, Evelyn.
“I am Antonio Bernoti, I am a step closer, I’ll save you testa celda” He muttered
His mind going back to the first time he called her that.
_-_-_-_-
Antonio Bernoti, the feared mafia boss, dressed with precision and purpose, his outfit a testament to his unwavering determination to rescue his girl, Evelyn. He wore a tailored black suit, the fabric sleek and luxurious, adorned with a subtle sheen that hinted at his wealth and power. A crisp white shirt complemented the suit, its buttons gleaming like diamonds in the light. A black tie, knotted to perfection, added a touch of sophistication, while his black leather shoes shone like polished onyx. A gold watch glinted on his wrist, a symbol of his status and influence. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing piercing eyes that seemed to bore into the souls of those around him. He exuded an aura of confidence and authority, his very presence commanding respect. As he set out to rescue Evelyn, his outfit was a declaration of his unwavering commitment to protect her, a testament to the unyielding power of his love.
_-_-_-_-
Evelyn’s P. O. V
As I sat in the dimly lit room, surrounded by my captors, I stared blankly at the phone thrust in front of me. The sound of heavy breathing and exaggerated moans filled my ears, and my heart sank as I recognized the voice. It was obviously Reina, no one else. But who was the guy?” she sure must be fooling herself not me” I thought
It was cut short when I heard the moans of a guy too… She wasn’t alone… Antonio…
“Fuck…Antonio… You are so good” This was what followed it. Realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I was nothing more than a mere stripper, a disposable pawn in their game of power and deceit. Antonio’s betrayal cut deep, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he had ever truly cared for me.
As I pushed the phone away, tears streaming down my face, the men surrounding me seemed to take pleasure in my distress. They leered at me, their eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. The sound of moans and groans continued to echo through the phone, a cruel reminder of Antonio’s infidelity.
“Get this phone out of my face!” I screamed, my voice hoarse from crying. The men merely laughed, their mocking gazes burning into my soul. Finally, the phone was pulled away, but I heard something else from the phone because it was on speaker. It was a loud ringing tone and the next thing I heard was from the phone was “Shh”
Like that… The men walked out of my room.
I kept wondering what had happened over there with sadness written all over my soul and body.